The overwhelming majority of Australians believe everyone has the right to marriage, but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants to put off legalization with yet more political antics. This time, he has called for a non-binding, non-mandatory postal plebiscite, or direct electorate vote.

Even worse, voters will have a small window of just 15 days to enroll to vote in the plebiscite, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The reliability of the vote is being questioned, with some experts arguing the plebiscite would be more credible if carried out by the Australian Electoral Commission, not the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Finally, there’s the simple question of price: Australian taxpayers are about to fork out around AU$122 million (US$97 million) to answer a question we already know the answer to.

Australia already supports equal marriage, and no amount of political dithering will change that. It’s time for the prime minister to simply allow a free vote in Parliament, which would almost certainly deliver a quick and decisive outcome in favor of equal marriage.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Prime Minister Turnbull,

The Liberal party bills itself as the champion of individual freedom, yet right now it’s doing everything it can to preserve the government’s power to dictate who can marry whom. Even you claim to support equal marriage, but seem to lack the political will to turn your words into actions.

At this point, it’s unquestionable that the majority of Australians want equal marriage, and they want it now. Forget the plebiscite and any other attempts to stall a decision. I urge you to end the political handwringing and simply allow a free vote in Parliament on a private members bill.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Peter Boyle/Green Left Weekly

Sign the Petition

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Address

Street AddressCityState / Province / RegionZIP / Postal CodeCountry

Only your name will be displayed. By signing, you accept our terms and may receive updates on this and related causes.